Outdoor design: Multi-functional backyard retreat

Terraced design

The backyard's terraced design provides a graceful descent from the house's elevated main floor to the pool level below. The staggered floating concrete steps create an organic look.

Pergola

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Laura Muir
Source: Janis Nicolay

A charcoal-stained fir pergola features a glass canopy to allow for alfresco dining even on rainy days. "The detailing of the pergola is a response to the fact that the house is more traditional," says architect David Battersby.

Lounge area

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Laura Muir
Source: Janis Nicolay

The lounge area on the upper terrace is defined by a massive coffee table-cum-gas-firepit and a cozy resin wicker sectional. A concrete wall lends privacy.

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Lower terrace

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Laura Muir
Source: Janis Nicolay

A wooden screen allows for an intimate sitting area on the lower terrace. "Because the terraces are elevated, we installed these privacy screens so there were no overlook issues with the neighbours," says David. A "Bloodgood" Japanese maple offers height, while plantings like golden Japanese forest grass and 'Firefly' heather offer a variation of texture and colour.